Inez Matthews Inez Matthews Sings Spirituals

Although she isn't a household name, in the world of serious vocal music, Inez Matthews looms large. As one of the first African American opera vocalists, she helped to break down the color barriers that existed at that point in history. Blessed with an outstanding mezzo-soprano voice, Matthews sang with such great expression that it prompted the accolades of scores of reviewers. A music journalist in 1957 wrote: "she transmitted the feeling that when Inez Matthews sings a song, never before has it been sung with quite that passion, artistry and conviction." Presented here, for the first time in the digital realm are the exquisite 1953 debut recordings of Matthews, singing a program of spirituals accompanied by only Jonathan Brice on piano. Classic audiophile recordings, newly remastered.